Depends. Demand for ammo could fuel the development of cheaper ammo.. Bi-metal jackets are accepted as not armor piercing. Its possible that new methods could produce ammo that is lead and copper free, using poly bonded iron which would shave a large part of the cost off.

I've heard rumors of an E.22lr or .22lrE which is supposed to be rimfire ammo designed to be made with steel or aluminum cases and bi-metal bullets, it likely won't be compatible with older rifles.

Depends. Demand for ammo could fuel the development of cheaper ammo.. Bi-metal jackets are accepted as not armor piercing. Its possible that new methods could produce ammo that is lead and copper free, using poly bonded iron which would shave a large part of the cost off.

I've heard rumors of an E.22lr or .22lrE which is supposed to be rimfire ammo designed to be made with steel or aluminum cases and bi-metal bullets, it likely won't be compatible with older rifles.

If that ever happens rimfire ammo costs could plummet.

Steel-cased .22 has been around for a long time. I figure it's not very good for firing pins, since even mild steel is not nearly as soft as brass. There'd be no reason why it shouldn't be compatible with old rifles, so long as the pressures are the same. Copper-plated rounds are perfectly safe in old guns - no reason I can think of that a bi-metal bullet wouldn't be.

Spike the price due to some excuse, then lower it almost--but not at, or below--to pre-spike prices, then hold it there until the people 'get used' to paying it.
Spike the price again a couple years down the road, then repeat, slowly and surely making so expensive, but necessary, to conduct our way of life, we have to make personal financial sacrifices elsewhere, or choose not to do it at all.

Edited by Photoguy, 21 November 2013 - 09:09 AM.

"Speed is fine, but accuracy is final"- Wyatt Earp.

"The Lord is my light; who shall I fear? The Lord is my salvation; of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalms 27:1

"A law upon the public is only enforceable if the public does not resist it." -Me, but I'm sure someone, somewhere, said something similar to this once.

I agree with photoguy. They know there is a market for higher prices, so they create that market. Shoot it up, then slowly lower prices until their math says they are getting the most profit for the effort.